# How a System Tracks and Transfers Rechargeable Batteries Between Users > This patent describes a system that verifies a rechargeable battery's actual capacity and then updates which user is associated with that specific battery, especially useful for shared or transferable batteries. - **Patent:** US 20240186800 - **Original title:** Battery management system, battery management method, and program - **Owner:** Mirai Labo Co - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 2 - **Field:** consumer_electronics, software, telecommunications, energy ## What it does The system starts with a 'battery status acquisition unit' that collects unique identification data for a rechargeable battery and its electrical characteristics, like voltage or internal resistance, while it's connected, charging, or discharging (Claim 1, Claim 5). Next, a 'battery capacity authentication unit' calculates the battery's true usable capacity based on these electrical characteristics and confirms it as an 'authentication capacity' (Claim 1). This authenticated capacity, along with the battery's ID, is stored in a 'battery management database' on a central server. Separately, a 'user management database' links user information to specific battery IDs. Crucially, a 'user data modification unit' can change which user is linked to a battery's ID, potentially based on the authenticated capacity (Claim 2) or even an offer from another user to acquire that battery (Claim 4). For example, if you return a rental power bank, the system could authenticate its remaining capacity and then reassign it to the next user who rents it, ensuring its health is known. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover a simple battery charging system that doesn't authenticate the battery's actual chargeable capacity. - Does not cover a system that tracks battery usage but does not allow modification of the association between a user and a specific battery. - Does not cover a system where the authenticated capacity isn't derived from the battery's electrical characteristics, such as voltage or resistance. - Does not cover a system that manages batteries without a central management server and associated databases for battery and user data. - Does not cover systems that only monitor battery health without enabling the transfer or re-assignment of the battery to a different user based on its authenticated capacity. ## The clever bit The innovation lies in combining the precise authentication of a battery's real-world capacity using its electrical characteristics with the ability to dynamically reassign that specific battery to different users in a managed system. This ensures transparency and accurate value assessment for shared or transferred batteries. ## Real-world examples 1. Battery swapping stations for electric scooters or motorcycles 2. Rental power bank services in public spaces 3. Managed battery pools for shared tools or devices 4. Systems for tracking and re-selling refurbished batteries ## Why it matters This system is important for managing rechargeable batteries in scenarios where they are shared, rented, or frequently change hands. By authenticating a battery's actual capacity and dynamically linking it to users, it enables more efficient use, fair pricing based on battery health, and better tracking of battery lifecycles. This could support the growth of battery-as-a-service models and circular economy initiatives. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How a System Tracks and Transfers Rechargeable Batteries Between Users cover? This patent describes a system that verifies a rechargeable battery's actual capacity and then updates which user is associated with that specific battery, especially useful for shared or transferable batteries. ### Who owns patent US 20240186800? This patent is owned by Mirai Labo Co. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on March 29, 2042, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 20240186800 cited by? This patent has been cited by 2 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? This system is important for managing rechargeable batteries in scenarios where they are shared, rented, or frequently change hands. By authenticating a battery's actual capacity and dynamically linking it to users, it enables more efficient use, fair pricing based on battery health, and better tracking of battery lifecycles. This could support the growth of battery-as-a-service models and circular economy initiatives. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover a simple battery charging system that doesn't authenticate the battery's actual chargeable capacity. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20240186800/battery-management-system-battery-management-method-and-program **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US20240186800 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How to Grade Used Batteries for a Second Life](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9397374/secondary-battery-module-battery-information-management-device-battery-informati) — This patent describes a system that reads electrical characteristics and usage history from a rechargeable battery module to determine if it's good enough to be used again for a different purpose, like energy storage. - [How Devices Negotiate Power Sharing When Connected Together](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9874914/hololens-mixed-reality-display) — A system for host devices like laptops to automatically set and update power-sharing rules with connected accessories based on identity and real-time power needs. - [How an EV Charging Station Manages Power from Batteries and the Grid](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9168838/charging-control-system-and-charging-control-method) — This patent describes a smart charging system for electric vehicles that decides whether to power cars from a local battery or the main electricity grid, and when to recharge that local battery, to help balance power demand. - [How to Fast-Charge Lithium Batteries Without Damaging Them](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10700376/methods-for-fast-charging-and-detecting-lithium-plating-in-lithium-ion-batteries) — This patent describes a three-phase method for quickly charging lithium-ion batteries while carefully controlling voltages to prevent harmful lithium metal buildup and electrolyte damage. - [Smart EV Charging to Protect Battery Life During Long Parking](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11235681/curtailing-battery-degradation-of-an-electric-vehicle-during-long-term-parking) — This patent describes a system that intelligently discharges and recharges an electric vehicle's battery while parked for a long time, like at an airport, to prevent battery damage and ensure it's ready when the owner returns, using vehicle-to-grid technology.